THREE SA family businesses have outshone their interstate rivals, claiming glory at the 2015 Australia Grand Dairy Awards.
Two cheesemakers and a boutique milk company from the Adelaide Hills and Fleurieu regions won champion titles for their products at the awards, held in Melbourne recently.
The awards are open to products that have previously won gold at a qualifying state-based show in 2014.
The judging for the national awards involved almost 400 products across 20 classes being scrutinised by the judges.
La Vera Fine Cheese Producers, Newton, won its second title in a row, this time for its parmesan, named champion hard cheese.
This follows its award of champion fresh unripened cheese for its ricotta at last years' awards.
La Vera manager Lucy Menchise said the win was a testament to the passion of those involved.
"As a small family business, we are truly humbled to receive such recognition, not only as a finalist in four product categories this year, but also to take out a champion award two years in a row," she said.
Mt Compass' Alexandrina Cheese Company has also been rewarded a second time, this year for their champion cheddar style cheese.
Owner and manager Krystyna McCaul said it was a thrill to be honoured for two different products, two years in a row.
"What else can we say other than after winning the champion milk award last year, we are now producing the best cheese from the best milk," she said.
Alexandrina produces cheese from its own herd of 80 jersey cows, which graze on the family's farm.
Lobethal-based boutique milk company Tweedvale Milk set a new standard with their pure pouring cream claiming the champion cream title.
Chief judge Neil Willman said was the first pouring cream to pick up the major award in years.
The business sources milk from other local dairy producers, and director Carlo Lorenzetti said this makes the difference.
"We only use milk produced in our local area so a big thanks goes out to the dairyfarmers in our region," he said.